The 65th annual Hootin an Hollarin Festival will be held Thursday through Sept. 19 on the square in Gainesville.
The festival, one of the oldest of its kind in Missouri, begins each year at 7:30 p.m. on the third Thursday in September with a Queen Pageant. Contestants wearing their best country dresses will share stories of the past.
Bluegrass, country and gospel music will entertain visitors Friday and Saturday, with music continuing for square dancing at 9 p.m. each evening. Square dancing features traditional tunes played by an Ozarks fiddler and band.
Festival contests and activities include bed races, outhouse races, calling contests, quilt and pet shows, cornhole tournament, pie contest, old-time games, a magic show and races for children.
Visitors can shop at craft booths around the square and watch old-time craft demonstrations. Food and drink options will include lemonade, root beer, kettle corn, ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, funnel cakes, fried pies, barbecue and Mexican food.
There also will be old-fashioned brush arbor gospel singing in the gazebo.
The costume parade will be held at 11 a.m. Sept. 19, with all ages competing for the best old-time “Life in the Ozarks” dress. The Big Float and Band Parade will follow at 2 p.m.
“This year will mark the 65th year, and there are plans for a great celebration,” organizers said. “All this Hootin an Hollarin is offered free to the public unless you decide to purchase a handcrafted item or some delicious food.”
For more information, visit ozarkcounty.net or hootinanhollarin.com, or contact festival chairperson Paula Rose at 417-989-1282.
